30th Winner for American Pharoah a TDN Rising Star

Fresh from dominating the first season sires in the sale ring at Magic Millions 2020, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah posted his 30th first crop winner over the weekend in the US where Bitcoin Passion (3c American Pharoah x Listen Dear, by Bernardini) earned TDN Rising Star status for his sensational debut victory on turf.

The Kahlid Abdul Rahim-bred and owned Bitcoin Passion was running over 1 1/16 miles on the grass at Tampa Bay Downs.

Irish-bred Bitcoin Passion broke well, but settled near the tail of the field before unleashing a big finish to surge home and win by a length and three-quarters as favourite for trainer Christophe Clement.

Bitcoin Passion is the second winner from two runners for winning mare Listen Dear. A three-quarter sister by Bernardini to Listed winner Indy Bird, she is also a half-sister to Grade II winner Listen Here and the Grade III-placed dam of Grade I winner La Coronel.

Bitcoin Passion’s extended family includes Champion Lost In The Fog and Grade I winners Listening and Bonapaw.

Bitcoin Passion was the second winner of the day for American Pharaoh after Soul Merit broke his maiden over 6½ furlong to become American Pharoah’s first Korean winner.

The Champion Freshman Sire in North America for 2019, American Pharoah has 30 winners with 12 stakes horses, including Breeders’ Cup winner Four Wheel Drive.

His first Australian crop dazzled at Magic Millions averaging $350,000 to make him the leading first season sire by a clear margin.

The 2020 Karaka Yearling Sale Book 1 in New Zealand next week features seven of his youngsters that are sure to attract plenty of attention, click here to see them.